Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.  Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:14-19

This week, there was a lot of talk on campus about Jesus.  A preacher from my church movement, Tom Short, came to preach and dialogue on the plaza at CSU about his faith and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Some conversations were fruitful, and some weren’t.  Nonetheless, it was comforting to know that the Truth was being told.

But later in the week, I encountered some teaching that was quite different.  (These two guys were insistent on telling me their message — I had been listening to my iPod AND on my phone when they caught me!) They approached me with a Bible and asked if I had time to talk.

The men used plenty of Bible verses to back up their claims, alluding to how frustrating it is that there are so many different denominations in Christianity.  They were very kind and patient.  When I had questions, they answered them.  When I argued, they listened and came back with another Bible verse.

I later looked up some of their beliefs and realized that they belong to a heretical group called the World Mission Society Church of God, a church that actually finds its beginnings all the way over in Korea.  Some of these beliefs were obvious when they spoke, and some were not.  This church believes in many things, including the following:

Photo source: http://business.inquirer.net/42159/world-missionary-society-church-of-god-conducts-blood-donation-campaign

  • There are two gods: God the Father and God the Mother.
  • God the Father came to earth as Jesus Christ, and God the Mother will come to earth in the end times as Second Coming Christ.
  • The Sabbath must be observed on Saturday in accordance with the old covenant.
  • The Passover must be observed in accordance with the old covenant.
  • Women must wear a veil.
  • In order to go to Heaven, you must be baptized and trust in the name of both God the Father and God the Mother.
  • Oh, and we’re actually just angels who were sent to earth after sinning in heaven.

The World Mission Society Church of God is a heretical group.  Here’s why:

  • There is only one God: Deuteronomy 4:34-36; 1 Kings 8:60; Isaiah 44:8
  • Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone.  We are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).  We are washed, sanctified, and justified by Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).  We are to hold fast to the name of Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:13).
  • We are saved by God’s grace, through faith, apart from the law, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).  See also Romans 6:23 and Romans 11:6.  By grace, through faith, — NOT through having church on a certain day, having communion a certain number of times, or getting baptized a certain way.
  • If righteousness came through the law, Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21)  (Or we’re pretending that we can do a better job than He already did!)
  • Christ’s death has removed the veil from our faces, acting as a bridge and a mediator between sinful man and perfect God, so that we can one day behold the glory of God without any obstacles.  (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  • There’s nothing we can do to get to heaven, because we are impure.  But Christ has cleansed us from sin, separating our new, true identity in Christ from our sins so that we can be with him.  We just have to receive this cleansing gift, free to us, since we could never afford it, to be fit to enter into fellowship with Him, both now and forever. (see Romans 3:10, Psalm 103:12, and Romans 5:17)
  • Angels who sinned were cast into Hell with Satan, not sent to earth as humans.  (2 Peter 2:4)  Humans find their beginning in the womb of their human mothers, both their physical bodies and their souls woven together by God. (Isaiah 44:2)

Here is what the apostle Paul says of false teachers:

“ For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their destiny will be according to their works.” ~ 2 Corinthians 11:12-15

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!  As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!” ~ Galatians 1:8-9

Beware of false prophets and false teachers.  They’ll lead many people astray.  But God is faithful and won’t let go of you if you hold fast to the one you’ve known from the beginning.

Thanks for reading.

For more information on this heretical group, see “Answering the World Mission Society of God.“